So apparently they have blocked .net and .com addresses from official computers to limit the use of the limited bandwidth, but I still have access at MWR.  If you want to reach me soonest, write to bonnie.koppell@us.army.mil, at least for the next week.

Sorry to report that my chest is still tight and heavy, though I do have limited use of my voice.  Deep, barking cough- sure wish I felt better.

Khanukka last night was a blast, though. There were 11 of us, and after my gruff singing and sharing some stories and teachings, we broke out the dreidels and the fun began.  The jokes were flying and we laughed so hard that SFC Cohen woke up this a.m. with his ribs hurting, feeling like he'd had an intense workout.

Once again,we couldn't get them to leave- started at 1900 and reluctantly ended at 2315. 

I'm pushing hard through various commands to get permission to add a day or two to our trip so that we can get to FOB Solerno.  I know that there are at least two soldiers there who can't get up here, and a few more in other outlying FOB's there.  I see how much it means to these folks to connect with lantsmenschen and I'm trying to walk the line between assertiveness and obnoxiousness in pursuit of a way to expand the mission.

They were a somewhat gruff group and began with some teasing that crossed over into bullying as they struggled to assert the alpha male position.  I was VERY glad that I had decided not to offer them alcohol.  Drinking is prohibited here, but I have the authority to pull out a few bottles of wine for religous purposes.  Seeing the level of somewhat intense aggression without it, I was very glad I had made this decision.I intervened in a Jewish motherly fashion, "Now, now boys, play nicely with each other."

Some of the conversation is surreal- at one points they were all comparing weapons and their various preferences for more stripped down versions versus every high tech accessory.  Then there was a whole discussion of where the best place is to put the tracer bullets in your magazine.

They were talking about their work with local nationals- one guy says, "I kill 'em", the other guy says, "I teach 'em to shoot back."

Somehow we got on the subject of Jewish religious supplies and one soldier asked for a Tanakh, which I promptly handed to him.  One thing led to another, and we ended up with a huge raid on the Jewish supply closet.  It was funny to see these tough, grungy soldiers get so excited to have an old, worn out, donated tallit and a kosher MRE.  "Where did I put my stuffed cabbage?"  will be the new inside joke.

One of our attendees is in the Sinnal Corps, so he was able to explain what happened with these cut cables.  He says the internet is being effected globally and I'm wondering if you have experienced any impact.

We have one guest from out of town, and he came over this a.m. to help us decorate.  In the process of tearing apart the supply closet we found a huge, gorgeous, silver oil khanukkiah, which we have set up for tonight, as well as some decorations.  We had to meet in a small, overcrowded conference room last night, but for the duration we have a big room which is all set up.  Will, of course, send photos when I can.

He's having some marital issues, so after decorating this a.m. I invited him for a cup of coffee and we had a good chat.  He's here for one more night.

Take care and hope you're having a great holiday.